Psalms 29:11

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

God is our constant source of strength. Without Him, we could not endure the daily struggles of life. He gives us supernatural strength each day whether we know it or not. Those who have no access to Christ do not know of His great love for them. This is one of the reasons He strengthens us to extend His kingdom to such people. Are we willing to be strengthened for this purpose?

Ask God to help us to pray without ceasing for lost nations like the Xiang Han Chinese.

Xiang (Shee-ang) Han Chinese People

by JS

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling” (Proverbs 16:18).

In China this pride is nowhere as apparent as among the Xiang Han Chinese of Hunan Province; they are possibly China’s spiritually hardest to reach Han Chinese population. They have an anti-foreign spirit which historically has slowed the penetration of the gospel, as it was long considered a Western religion. In 1911 the Xiang people were described as “the best haters and fighters in China.” In 1861 Welsh missionary Griffith John met a Hunan military man. He boasted of the glory and martial courage of Hunan men and said there was no danger of them ever believing in Jesus or His religion taking root there.

The Xiang Han are the largest Han group, numbering over 35 million, mostly living in Hunan Province. Even though the Xiang people have been resistant to the gospel, we know that nothing is too hard for God. Fervent prayer can break the stronghold of pride that has dominated the Xiang spirit, and it can soften hearts to joyfully receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Pray for God to strengthen, grow, and energize the small group of Xiang believers in Hunan Province in the power of His Holy Spirit. Pray that the fire of their enthusiasm and ministry will penetrate every level of Xiang society so that the love of Christ will become contagious, sweeping away pride, and leaving humble hearts eager to receive Jesus.